MILAN - NAPOLI - GAME OF THE WEEK

At the Artemio Franchi Fiorentina put the brakes on AC Milan's sprint for second place. The Rossoneri resume their chase for direct qualification to the Champions League on Sunday when Napoli arrive at the San Siro.

Mario Balotelli's suspension could have left a gaping hole, instead Giampaolo Pazzini has returned to action just in time after a month out through injury. Before being sidelined the Tuscan-born striker was enjoying his own purple patch: three goals in 57 minutes of play.

Since 1991 AC Milan have hosted Napoli at the Meazza five times in the second half of the season - and have yet to lose. The last win for the rossoneri came two seasons ago and was emphatic.

As for the San Paolo outfit, they have not come away with all three points from Milan for 27 years.

AC Milan-Napoli is a showdown between two of Serie A's most prolific scorers: Edinson Cavani, on 22 goals, and Stephan El Shaarawy, third with 16.

While El Matador has rediscovered his goal scoring touch lately, the Italy international has gone five matches without scoring.

But if the Milanese giants escaped undefeated from the San Paolo in November it was thanks to the eye for goal of their 20-year-old talent.

Walter Mazzarri's side, for their part, have won all of their last three outings, matching their longest winning streak.

Once they have departed from Milan, the Neapolitans appear to have a more favourable fixture list than the Rossoneri. Escaping unharmed from the San Siro is the first step on the path to reaching the season's objective: Champions League qualification.